Syracuse workers fired, suspended over residency

Update: Only one worker has officially been fired -- Eric Weber, the director of the Lakefront Development Corp., according to the city.

The other 12 were put on "paid suspension" today and were asked to leave work at the time they were informed, according to city Spokeswoman Colleen Deacon. They will have administrative hearings Thursday, at which time they will be given one last chance to prove that they live in the city. Their final status will be determined Friday, at which time additional information about the employees will be released.

Weber, reached at a number listed under his name in Cazenovia, declined to comment. Deacon said that, as a mayoral appointment, he was not entitled to the administrative hearing.

Other employees rumored to be among those caught up in the residency sweep also declined comment, saying they feared it would effect their chances at the hearings. -- 6:30 p.m.

Rumors are flying at City Hall that 13 workers were fired today and escorted out of the building for being in violation of the city's residency law.

Several city employees who did not want to be identified have confirmed the rumor, but official city sources have not yet commented. Spokeswoman Colleen Deacon said a news release with all the information the city can provide will be sent out soon.